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How to lubricate the seal on plastic windows. How to lubricate plastic windows, material selection criteria and procedure technology

The correct operation of PVC window structures depends on regular and proper maintenance. After prolonged use, the mechanisms require lubrication. How to lubricate plastic windows to extend their service life and ensure comfortable operation.

Carrying out cleaning at home, we do not forget about cleaning double-glazed windows from dust and traces of rain. However, not everyone thinks that window care is not limited to external procedures. Internal mechanisms and fittings begin to work incorrectly over time, and the decrease in the quality of factory lubricants is to blame. Dryness leads to the accumulation of dust from the street and metal particles. Faults can signal themselves with creaks, rattles, clicking, jamming of the door. When buying a new window, the manufacturer gives a guarantee of 4-5 years. This is the expiration date of the factory lubricant. Unfortunately, not all sellers notify buyers of the need to carry out preventive maintenance, and therefore situations are brought to critical moments. If you do not respond to the problem in time, then the end can be sad. Grease for plastic windows performs the following tasks:

reduces the level of friction of metal elements, increasing their wear resistance;
facilitates closing / opening of the valves;
protects against rust, creating a protective layer on the metal;
the rubber seal retains elasticity, does not stretch and provides the necessary tightness of the sash.

All moving and rubbing elements, and seals on the frame and sash are subject to lubrication. On some models of PVC windows, you can see the corresponding marking with an oiler. Thus, manufacturers give a hint which elements need lubrication.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the structures installed with the advent of the first PVC windows have fittings and fasteners, which are now difficult to replace. Therefore, the wear of one or another element leads to a complete replacement of the internal mechanism or the entire unit.

How to lubricate plastic windows, types of products

Not all products are suitable for lubricating windows. On sale you can find ready-made kits for the care of plastic blocks, but their cost is not affordable for everyone. It is better to purchase everything separately, especially since half of these kits may not be useful.

How to lubricate the mechanism of plastic windows

The best choice for lubricating window mechanisms will be the following tools:

silicone-based products made specifically for window mechanisms. When applied to a metal surface, a thin resistant film is formed. The lubricant is available in tubes or sprays. Both options will work;
universal grease, which includes the same silicone. It is identical to a special tool, but can be used not only on windows. The consumption of funds is minimal, so one tube is enough for a long time;
lubricating oil for sewing machines or bicycles. The tool is similar to machine oil, but better cleaning. It is easy to use and stays on the surface for a long time;
mineral or synthetic lubricants. The main thing is to choose products that do not include acids, aggressive reagents and abrasives.

It is not recommended to use any vegetable fats, petroleum jelly, shoe polish for lubrication. This is due to the fact that vegetable oils leave a film on the mechanisms that dries for a very long time, about two weeks. During this time, a large amount of dust accumulates on it, which makes it difficult for the fittings to work, accelerating their wear.

How can you not lubricate the fittings of plastic windows? Means with acids and chemicals destroy the metal surface, “eat up” the anti-corrosion layer and oxidize parts. Gun and car oils are also not suitable. The former are expensive, and they do not perform protective functions in relation to windows. The latter have a low degree of purification.

How to lubricate rubber bands on plastic windows

Seals also need care. You can buy special lubricants, or you can use improvised means:

silicone-based lubricants;
silicone sponges;
pharmacy glycerin, but only in its pure form, without cosmetic additives.

Do not use Vaseline or baby powder. Also do not choose products containing a solvent, alcohol and alkali. They will lead to the destruction of the rubber structure.

Controversial opinion exists about the use of WD-40. Some argue that the use of an aerosol will create a protective waterproofing film on the surface. Others say that at low temperatures, the product can thicken and interfere with the operation of window mechanisms. If only this tool is at hand, it can be used to lubricate the seals.

Criteria for selecting window lubricants

It is necessary to take care of window structures with high-quality and proven means. Poor quality lubrication will reduce the life of the mechanisms. When buying, be guided by the region of residence, because some products tend to "tan" at low temperatures.

Ask the seller in the store which lubricant is suitable for your plastic window model. Choose aerosol products. This is the most convenient type of lubrication with economical consumption. With the help of spraying, you can reach the most inaccessible places of the mechanism. You don't have to buy expensive stuff. Often they include components found in inexpensive lubricants, and their principle of operation is the same.

How to lubricate plastic windows yourself

It is not necessary to be an expert to carry out preventive maintenance of window fittings. To do this, you need to know the sequence of actions and have the necessary materials on hand. Be sure to remove all decorative trims from the hinges and handles.

Cleaning plastic windows

Before proceeding with the lubrication of the elements of the window structure, you need to thoroughly clean them from accumulated dirt and dust. The window sashes open wide and look good. All brackets, bolts and other moving parts need to be cleaned.

For cleaning, use a damp soft cloth, sponge or brush. Along with the dirt, a layer of old grease is also removed. After wet, use a dry cloth and wipe all parts dry. In warm weather, you can leave the window to dry on your own. Remember not to use any detergents. You can use WD-40 for metal elements. The frame is washed with ordinary soapy water. For hardened dirt, use a stiff brush, paying particular attention to the joints between the door and the frame.

Hardware lubrication

Before starting the lubrication procedure, you need to understand where to lubricate plastic windows. The lubricant is applied to all elements that move during operation. If the work is done with an aerosol, then the process is greatly simplified. It is enough to spray the product at a distance of 3-5 cm. It is necessary to lubricate with oils by digging them onto the guide rails of the products, all rotary mechanisms and grooves. 2-3 drops will be enough. For convenience, oil lubricant is drawn into a syringe or a small oiler, the tip of which is directed to the mechanism element. In order for the lubricant to penetrate well between the moving parts, the window sash must be closed. Opening and closing in different modes is best done several times. This will allow the tool to quickly disperse to all parts and lubricate them better.

Silicone is often used to lubricate the window. Before the procedure, the canister is shaken well several times. The spray hole is directed to the lubricated element at a distance of 3-5 cm. By pressing the valve, release the agent for about two seconds. This will be enough for the grease to get inside. Silicone in cylinders is good because, due to its transparency, it does not leave marks on the surface. After lubricating all the fittings, the lubricant drips are wiped off with a clean cloth.

Lubrication of seals

In order for the sealing rubber on the plastic window not to dry out and ensure a snug fit of the sash, it must be regularly lubricated. Before lubrication, the window opens completely, providing access to all rubberized places. The sealant is thoroughly cleaned with a brush from dust, and also washed with a soapy solution and left to dry completely.

As a lubricant, professional products or those that are suitable from the home arsenal are selected.

The product is applied to the seals and evenly distributed over the entire surface with a cotton swab. You can choose grease in a container with a roller at the end. It will be more convenient for them to apply the product.

The frequency of the procedure for lubricating plastic windows

The frequency of lubrication of PVC windows depends on the frequency of their use. Living conditions also matter. For example, those windows that face the road will get dirty more and faster. Accordingly, they need to be cared for more often, about once a year. It is better to lubricate plastic windows in early autumn or late spring at positive temperatures. If you notice extraneous sounds coming from the sashes between periods of lubrication, then do not wait for the right time. Tightening with the procedure can adversely affect the quality of fittings and sealing elements.

Almost every person in a house or apartment today has plastic windows. We buy them because advertisers tell us they last forever, but they don't. Few people know that the rubber seal needs to be lubricated from time to time, and as soon as they find out about this, the question immediately arises, how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows? The information in this article will help you make the right choice when solving this issue.

Why is it necessary to lubricate seals on plastic windows?

Elastic band on window constructions we call an elastic seal around the entire perimeter of the sash, as well as a light opening. It is used to ensure that the sashes fit snugly against the frame, as well as to prevent cool air from entering the apartment.

The elastic band has a huge load every day, which comes from squeezing, as well as unclenching. Of course, no matter how effective and high-quality the sealant is, it will wear out sooner or later. In order to reduce the wear rate of the seal, even at the production stage it is coated with a special protective compound, which forms an invisible film layer on the rubber band.

Lubricating rubber bands on plastic windows is necessary in order to renew the protective layer, as well as soften the seal and restore its elasticity.

Important! If the part is completely worn out and does not perform its main functions, it is recommended to replace the seal in plastic windows.

How often do you need to change the lubricant in plastic windows:

It is recommended to change the lubricant of the mechanism of the sealing rubber bands of the fittings at least once a year.
In order to service the window system, choose either spring or autumn.
You can lubricate structural elements 2 times a year - in spring and autumn, to ensure really high reliability of the entire system.

Important! The frequency with which it is necessary to change the lubricant most of all depends on the factors that make it unusable, for example: dirt, sand, smog, grease.

How to lubricate the rubber seals on plastic windows?

The main task of a lubricant for a rubber seal is to protect it from interaction with moisture and cold. A large number of funds can cope with this task.

Important! The basic rule here is that these products should not contain a single gram of alcohol, alkali or solvents. These substances destroy the rubber structure, and also reduce the possible shelf life and operation of the seal.

So, how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows?

General purpose silicone lubricants

Technical silicone is one of the best and most affordable seal and rubber care products. Silicone-based products are available in various forms: in the form of an emulsion, liquid and paste. It can be sprays, aerosols, pencils and so on.

Important! It is most convenient to use a product that can be easily applied to the surface of a soft cloth, and then gently wipe the surface of the seal with it.

Silicone lubricants have the following advantages:

relatively low viscosity;
lays down on the surface in an even layer;
protects the rubber seal from the harmful effects of moisture;
slows down the wear period;
silicone has no smell or color, which is why it can be used for seals of absolutely any color;
the temperature resistance of silicone is in the range from - 50 C to + 230 C.

Lubricate all rubber profiles with a silicone compound, never with silicone grease that is designed for metal surfaces. Their difference is very significant:

a lubricant that is intended for metal forms an invisible film on the surface of the material;
a special silicone compound penetrates into the material from which the seal is made.

Important! Silicone compounds retain the properties of the seal itself at all times of the year, preventing its destruction from heat, cold, sunlight, and moisture.

Professional construction chemicals

It is most convenient to use WD-40 aerosol. It can simply be sprayed over the entire length of the rubber seal.

Kits that are designed for comprehensive maintenance of PVC structures are also an excellent option to lubricate rubber bands on plastic windows.

Important! It is quite difficult to find a professional tool that is designed for sealants. As a rule, all compounds are made to serve rubber products in general. Basically, they can only be purchased as part of a plastic window maintenance kit, which also includes:

detergent for PVC profiles;

aerosol for parts made of metal.

Similar kits are available from companies: Edel Weiss, KBE and ROBITEX. The pioneer in the production of comprehensive maintenance was the German company Fenosol, and we will talk about it, namely, their product, which is designed to service FENOFLEX rubber seals.

The manufacturer claims that FENOFLEX:

retains the original elasticity of the rubber parts of the window;
increases their wear resistance by 20-25%;
increases the resistance of rubber to extremely low temperatures.
all the elements that are in the composition are biodegradable, non-toxic, and most importantly, safe for humans.

It is due to the absence in the production of absolutely any solvents, as well as alcohol, that the composition in no way affects the structure of plastic and rubber.

Non-professional means

Glycerin is a colorless viscous liquid. It has a special application in cosmetology, as well as traditional medicine. It is a waste product of saponification of fats.

Important! Scientists chemists refer glycerin to a number of alcohols, but unlike such substances of this series, it is in no way dangerous for PVC.

From glycerin, the seal will become softer, more elastic, covered with an invisible film layer, which provides long-term protection against adverse effects on the entire structure as a whole and extends the life of the window.

Important! A clear disadvantage of glycerin is a very strong instability to water - it dissolves in it. In other words, it has a very low level of waterproofing. For the same reason, you will have to use such a tool much more often than any product of professional building chemistry for the care of PVC windows.

Also, to resolve the issue of how to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows, such a very affordable tool as petroleum jelly will also come in handy.

How to properly lubricate the rubber seal of a plastic window?

Look at where the rubber seals are located on your windows. As a rule, they are located on window design elements, for example:

around the perimeter of the frame;
along the inner as well as the outer perimeter of the double-glazed window;
along the inner perimeter of the sash.

Regardless of the means you choose, to lubricate the rubber bands on plastic windows, like this:

First, wipe the rubber seal with a soft cloth or a sponge that you previously moistened with soapy water.
Wipe dry.
Apply grease between the seal plates, if any.
Next, apply the product over the entire outer surface of the gum.
If you prefer viscous and creamy products, for example: silicone grease, petroleum jelly, stock up on a soft brush. With its help, you can evenly distribute the product or do it with your hands.
In the event that you use liquid products, for example: glycerin, you cannot do without a cotton pad. It will take 5-10 minutes to lubricate the entire seal.
You can close the gate immediately.

Important! Never allow oil or grease to come into contact with the seal. Because of them, the sealant material may begin to swell.

Rubber is used in many household structures: various hoses, seals, adapters, car parts. Over time, products made from this material fail, dry out, lose elasticity, and become inconvenient to use. You should not immediately buy new elements, you can try to soften the rubber at home.

Remanufactured rubber part using kerosene

Rubber elements under the influence of external factors lose their original properties, become less elastic, harden. Their further use will not bring the desired effect, seals, for example, will not be able to make the system completely sealed. The purchase of new rubber elements is sometimes difficult due to the lack of products of the required dimensions or their overpriced.

The following substances allow you to soften rubber:

Kerosene. Allows you to make rubber parts soft by affecting the structure of the material. After processing, the rubber element becomes fully elastic. Recovery technology is as follows:

fill a small container with kerosene (choose the container size depending on the size of the product to be restored);
place the part in a container with kerosene for 3 hours;
after the specified time, check the product for softness, if the result is satisfactory: remove the material and rinse with warm running water;
dry the material in a natural way, without using a hair dryer or battery.

Alcohol ammonia. The process of restoring old material is as follows:

dilute the indicated alcohol with water in a ratio of 1: 7;
place the rubber material in the resulting solution for half an hour;
after the specified time, remove the part and rinse with warm running water;
Allow the parts to dry completely before using them.

Please note: you can not keep rubber in a solution of ammonia and water for more than an hour. If the material does not become elastic after 30 minutes, use another recovery method.

Medical alcohol followed by the use of glycerin. The technology of "reanimation" of rubber parts:

fill the container with medical alcohol;
put in alcohol a part that needs to be restored for several hours;
after the specified time, check the condition of the product, if it is soft enough, remove the element from the solution and wash it with warm soapy water;
rub glycerin into the surface of the part using a sponge (cloth);
remove any remaining glycerine from the surface of the product.

Instead of glycerin, it is allowed to use automobile oil, it is rubbed into the surface of the product, then the part is kept for half an hour before use. During this period, the rubber becomes sufficiently elastic.

Castor oil and silicone. Let's make a reservation right away - this method allows you to quickly "reanimate" the old rubber, but the recovery effect will not last long, after a few days the product will become solid. For this method, follow the sequence:

smear the part with silicone;
wait 10 minutes;
after the specified time, the part can be used.

Note: a similar effect is achieved by using castor oil. It is rubbed into the surface of the part, after which it becomes soft and elastic.

Heating is an effective method

Container with prepared water for boiling rubber products

There are situations when the rubber element is difficult to remove from structural parts due to its hardening. You can achieve the desired result by heating the rubber with a stream of hot air using a hair dryer. When exposed to high temperature, the material will become softer, it can be pulled out of the part.

Too "hardened" element is softened by boiling in salted water. The technology is as follows:

fill the container with salted water;
let the liquid boil;
place the rubber element in boiling water for 10 minutes;
remove the rubber and quickly use it for its intended purpose.

This method is quite effective, but has a short-term effect. When it cools down, the rubber becomes stiff again.

Conclusion

You can soften the rubber in the above ways. In this case, it is necessary to take into account: a long-term effect after restoration, has a method with kerosene. Rubber, after its application, remains soft and elastic for a long time, because the structure of the material changes. Other methods do not allow to achieve such a result.